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99.99966 3.4 6
99.98 233 5
99.4 6,210 4
93.3 66,807 3
69.1 308,538 2
30.9 691,462 1
You can see from the conversions above that the sigma scale is
exponential. The difference between the DPMO equating to each whole
number more than doubles as you move up through the scale. By my
rough calculation, 'seven sigma' would equate to about 2 defects per
100 million opportunities (correct me if I'm wrong), which is perhaps a
little over-demanding even for the aircraft industry, and that's perhaps
why nobody bothers much with anything over six sigma.
Motorola and many other devotees of Six Sigma are increasingly at
pains to point out that Six Sigma is nowadays far less concerned with
the mathematical theory of the Sigma calculations, and a lot more
concerned with the model's broader performance improvement
methods, nevertheless, Six Sigma's complexity and variable
interpretations are not helped by the difficulty in penetrating the
original mathematical reasoning behind the essential Six Sigma metric:
just exactly why does Six Sigma equate to 3.4 defects per million?
What are the calculations which take us from 3.4 PPM (parts per
million), ie., 0.0000034%, to 'Six Sigma? Mathematical interpretations
vary apparently. (If you can explain this in simple language, and less
than a couple of hundred words, please do, and I'll gladly add the
explanation to this page).
There is also clearly some difficulty in nailing down a single, simple
definition of Six Sigma. For example, the task of creating a Six Sigma
'elevator speech' (in other words - explain Six Sigma inside 30
seconds) continues to challenge many of the Six Sigma enthusiasts
who frequent the growing Six Sigma web forums, (incidentally if you
know a good Six Sigma 'elevator speech' please send it, and again I'll
gladly add it to this page).
In short, the Six Sigma concept now has a life of its own, open to a
range of interpretations, beyond the control and reach of the early Six
Sigma originators.
I heard someone say once that Six Sigma is a bit like Naomi Campbell -
an attractive, seductive, yet highly complex model. (Also, sexy,
expensive, and has been known to fall over...)
Advocates of Six Sigma, which include many highly respected people
such as Jack Welch, are in no doubt that Six Sigma can produce
immense results, and quickly too. You will see claims that Motorola
saved in excess of $16bn resulting from implementing Six Sigma.
The Six Sigma model may or may not be the most popular ever, but
ultimately - as with any business methodology - it relies on how well
people use it.